bug-a-boo

== English == === Alternative forms === bugaboo === Etymology === An earlier form was seen in buggybow, probably an alteration of bugbear (see bug), but connected by Chapman ("Dictionary of American Slang") with Bugibu, demon in the Old French poem Aliscans from 1141, which is perhaps of Celtic origin as a pagan god (compare Cornish buccaboo (“devil”), from bucca (“bogle, goblin”)). Alternatively, bug +‎ a +‎ boo. For a similar semantic development from a heathen god to demon to monster, compare etymology of French lutin. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbʌɡəbuː/ === Noun === bug-a-boo (plural bug-a-boos) A mythical, nocturnal creature; a hobgoblin. Any imagined fear or threat, or a fear presumed larger than it really is. ==== Synonyms ==== (hostile supernatural creature): See goblin ==== See also ==== bogey boo-boo bugbear bogeyman